Mongols and Manchus

MONGOLIA, CHENGDE, THE GREAT WALL AND BEIJING

with Jackie Menzies14–28 September 2016 (15 days)

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Jackie Menzies oaM is Emeritus Curator of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of NSW, and has travelled widely through Asia. From 1979 to 2012 (as Head of Asian Art at AGNSW), she curated many exhibitions, and contributed to scholarly catalogues on Asian Art. She is responsible for several significant Asian exhibitions at AGNSW, including ‘INDIA: Dancing to the Flute’ (1997), ‘BUDDHA: Radiant Awakening (2001)’ and ‘GODDESS: Divine Energy (2006)’. Jackie has written and lectured extensively on Asian art and culture. She was President of the Asian Arts Society from 1980 to 1990, and Founding Director of VisAsia, the Australian Institute of Asian Art and Culture. She has led several tours to different Asian countries, including India, and has been to Mongolia on several occasions.

For six centuries, from the invasions of Genghis Khan in the early 13th century until the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911/12, China was in turn invaded, conquered and ruled by its northern neighbours, the Mongols and the Manchus.

This tour sets out to explore the history and culture of Mongolia and of China under the rule of the Manchus in the Qing dynasty. Explore the influence the Mongols and Manchus exerted over China – and vice-versa – from food, religion and language, to art, architecture and town-planning.

At the same time, you will also discover the fast-changing contemporary art, society and culture of China and Mongolia and witness the fascinating political, economic and social changes transforming these two countries.

Mongols and ManchusMONGOLIA, CHENGDE, THE GREAT WALL AND BEIJING

At a glance…•Discover the extraordinary landscapes, warm welcome and unique culture

of Mongolia, one of the world’s last travel frontiers

•Explore the Mountain Resort and outlying Temples of Chengde, the ‘summer capital’ of the Qing Dynasty

•Enjoy an unhurried, uncrowded and unforgettable visit to the Great Wall at Jinshanling

•Finish in Beijing, the fascinating historical, political and cultural capital of China

Map is a guide only

Land

Flight

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mongolia

RUSSia

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Beijing

Karakorum

Terelj national ParkUlaanbaatar

Wed 14 Sep 2016 Depart australia – arrive UlaanbaatarSuggested departure from Australia on Korean Airlines flights to Ulaanbaatar (via Seoul). Late evening arrival, greeting and transfer to your hotel.

Thu 15 Sep UlaanbaatarBegin your exploration of Ulaanbaatar with a walking tour to Sukhbaatar Square in the centre of town which honours Mongolia’s 1921 revolutionary hero. Continue to the Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important, which was founded in 1809, survived the Stalinist purges of the 1930s and was restored in 1990. Within the temple there is a sense of the rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition that Mongolians practised.

After a welcome lunch visit the Zanabazar fine Arts Museum, named in honour of Mongolia’s greatest artist Zanabazar, and containing his paintings as well as many other splendid examples of Mongolian Buddhist arts. B L d

Fri 16 Sep UlaanbaatarFollowing a morning talk, visit the Natural History Museum with its display of two complete dinosaur skeletons which were found in the Gobi desert and continue to the National Museum of Mongolia which has an interesting collection of exhibits from the Neolithic period through to the present day.

After lunch visit the Choijin Lama temple museum complex, each building housing breathtaking works of art from Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and then continue to the Bogdgegen Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat.

This evening enjoy a special traditional meal and cultural show with dance and song – in particular the Hoomi (throat singers). B L d

Sat 17 Sep Ulaanbaatar – KarakorumDeparting Ulaanbaatar, travel by coach through mountain steppe to the ancient capital and Chinggis Khaan’s fabled city Karakorum, founded in 1220 at the crossroads of the Silk Route, but later abandoned by Kublai Khan for his new capital in Beijing. B L d

Sun 18 Sep KarakorumToday explore Erdene Zuu Monastery the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Built in 1586, on the site of the legendary capitol, using sticks and stones from the ruins and by the wood interlock method, without using a single nail. Explore the various temples and the new museum nearby. B L d

mon 19 Sep Karakorum – UlaanbaatarAfter leaving Karakorum explore the site of Karabalgasun, capital of the Uygur Empire and Mongolias first walled city-state. Designed by Sogdian architects, at its height it rivalled Chang’an and Constantinople in cosmopolitan affluence. Continue on the road back to Ulaanbaatar arriving late afternoon. Evening at leisure. B L

Tue 20 Sep UlaanbaatarJourney out of Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park, the most popular destination and the third biggest protected area in Mongolia. Visitors can take leisurely strolls on meadows carpeted with edelweiss and a dazzling variety of other wild flowers, view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine covered mountains and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain stream.

Return to Ulaanbaatar via the Chinggis Khan statue complex, located among beautiful natural scenery on the bank of river Tuul, in the place called “Tsonjin Boldog”, memorial place connected with historic events. The statue in total is 40m high from surface erected at about 10 m high foundation and surrounded by columns. Far sighted Chinggis Khaan holds a golden whip in his right hand. B L d

Itinerary

Terrain of Terelj National Park © harveypekar84/FlickrThe Golden Stupa, Erdene Zuu Monastery Karakorum © Rob Oo/Flickr

Puning Temple, Chengde © Ana Paula Hirama/Flickr

Wed 21 Sep Ulaanbaatar – Beijing – chengdeMidday flight on Air China from Ulaan Baatar to Beijing. Mid-afternoon arrival and drive to Chengde, located in the hills to the northeast of Beijing. Chengde gained its prominence during the Qing Dynasty when the emperors built a palace for the summer months when the heat in Beijing became unbearable. Dinner on arrival. B L d

Thu 22 Sep chengdeFollowing a morning talk, visit the Chengde Mountain Resort, built 1703–1793 as a summer palace for the emperors in the Qing dynasty. It remains the largest existing imperial garden in the world and one of the most admired gardens in China.

Afternoon at leisure to further explore Chengde on your own. B L d

Fri 23 Sep chengde Spend the day visiting a selection of the ‘Eight Outer Temples’. The largest temple complex in China, the temples were used by nobles of various ethnic minority groups who came to have an audience with the emperor. B L d

Sat 24 Sep chengde – BeijingDepart Chengde for a leisurely day’s drive back to Beijing, stopping en route to visit the Great Wall at Jinshanling. One of the best preserved sections, the Great Wall at Jinshanling features many original features. Cable car up to the wall level is included. Late afternoon arrival in Beijing. Check-in to your hotel and dinner in the hotel restaurant. B L d

Sun 25 Sep Beijing Begin your exploration of Beijing with a morning visit to Tiananmen Square and the National Museum of China. Named after the Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to its north

and covering over 100 acres, Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world with huge historical, cultural and political importance. The collection of the National Museum of China features more than one million objects, ranging from replicas of bones of Peking man to scientific instruments introduced to China by missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries and many hundreds of decorative objects – such as bronzes, pottery, lacquer ware, jade, and textiles – and documents, art, and artefacts ranging from the Palaeolithic Period to the present.

In the afternoon, visit Beihai Park, an imperial garden that is now a public park, and the Hutong district surrounding the Drum Tower and Bell Tower. A narrow street or alley, formed by lines of traditional courtyard houses, hutongs are commonly associated with northern Chinese cities and are a much-loved but fast disappearing feature of Beijing. The Drum and Bell Towers of Beijing, situated at the northern end of the central axis of the Inner City, date back to the Ming Dynasty and offer panoramic views over central Beijing.

This evening, subject to performance schedule it may be possible to attend a performance (concert, dance or opera) at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (opened 2007). Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, this extraordinary building, referred to as ‘The Egg’ houses numerous performing venues including an opera theatre, concert hall, multi-purpose theatre and a studio. Local Chinese and visiting international companies perform here (not included in tour cost, performances announced 3-4 months in advance.) B L

mon 26 Sep BeijingToday begins with a visit to the former Imperial Palace, usually referred to as the ‘Forbidden City’. Originally built (by more than 200,000 men) in 1420 for the Emperor Yongle, the former Imperial Palace is an architectural masterpiece with a breathtaking symmetry of palatial pavilions, courtyards, gates, treasure halls and gardens.

Chinggis Khan statue complex © Mario Carvajal/Flickr

Beijing Capital Museum by International Copper Association

After lunch visit the Temple of Heaven. Built between 1406 and 1420 as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Temple of Heaven covers 273 hectares and represents a Golden Age of Chinese architecture. Laid out according to the needs of sacred ceremony, it is believed to be the one place on earth with direct access to heaven, although only for Emperors who were regarded as celestial go-betweens. B L

Tue 27 Sep BeijingBegin with a visit to the nearby White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Daoist Temple), one of the three “ancestral courts” of the Quanzhen Sect of Daoism dating back to 739 AD. Nowadays, it attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The blue-frocked monks wear their hair in the rarely seen traditional manner: long and tied in a bun at the top of the head.

Continue to the Capital Museum. Housed in a striking new building (2006) the museum contains a comprehensive collection of ancient porcelain, bronze art and jade, along with exhibitions on Beijing history and culture, urban construction and Beijing folk customs, plus changing exhibitions.

Afternoon at leisure to further explore Beijing on your own.

This evening celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner. B d

Wed 28 Sep Depart BeijingTransfer to Beijing Capital Airport for midday departure on Korean Airlines flights via Seoul. Overnight in flight.

B + meals in flight

Thu 29 Sep arrive australiaMorning arrival in Australia.

Forbidden City, Beijing © Jennifer Morrow/Flickr

Great Wall Jinshanling © Ahenobarbus/Flickr

Tour price does not include•Transfers on arrival and departure (if not travelling on

suggested group flights)

• Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, room service etc.

•Travel insurance

•Airport porterage

Your hotelsUlaanbaatar – Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Karakorum – Traditional Ger Camp*

Chengde – Fumanjia Hotel

Beijing – The Regent

NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted

*tRaditionaL GeR CaMp:

Around Karakoram, all accommodation options are ‘ger,’ which is an authentic Mongolian experience. A ger is the traditional felt tent of nomadic herders. Each ger is heated by a wood stove and has two wood-framed beds. The camp restaurants and western-style toilet and shower facilities are located in the center of the camp. Accommodation in the ger camps is based on two people sharing one ger.

Tour pricesPer person, twin-share AUD 8,950

Single supplement* AUD 1,750

Deposit per person AUD 500

Reduction without international flights - AUD 1,500

Final payment due 15 July 2016

* Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.Please note the two nights at the Traditional Ger Camp in Karakorum is on a twin share basis only.

Tour code AG1617

Fitness level Above Average

Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions.

Tour price includes•Return international flights on Korean Air in economy class.

Upgrade to Business Class available (additional cost applies)

•Accommodation in centrally located hotels with breakfast daily ( B )

•Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, d =Dinner, R = Reception) including local beer and soft drinks.

• Transfers on arrival and departure (if travelling on included group flights)

• Economy class flight Ulaanbaatar – Beijing on Air China (20 kg checked luggage allowance included)

•Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides including entrance fees as per itinerary

•Chinese and Mongolian visa

• Gratuities for local guides and drivers

•Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Ger camp in Karakorum

Gandan Khiid Monastery, Ulaanbaatar © Clay Gilliland/Flickr

Terms & ConditionsTerms & ConditionsHow to BookComplete, sign and return the Booking Form available from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page one of your passport.

deposit / FinaL payMentsYour deposit is due at the time of booking and is used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event of your cancellation.

Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Failure to make the final payment by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking and loss of deposit.

Payment by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. 1.5% service charge applies to payment made by MasterCard and Visa. 3% service charge applies to payment made by American Express.

Payments for some international airfares can be made by credit card without a service fee. Please check for details.

CanCeLLation & ReFUndsa) Cancellation by you – Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by Renaissance Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below, airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

60 days or more Forfeit of deposit

59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost

44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost

30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost

Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost

The above cancellation charges include applicable GST.

In addition to the above, cancellation charges may apply for additional arrangements booked by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels and travel insurance premium. If the reason for cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers). Except for

force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure. No further compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability.

Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply for additional travel arrangements booked by Renaissance Tours.

passpoRts, Visas and VaCCinationsAll travellers must be in a possession of a valid passport – most countries require a 6-month validity from your date of entry or exit. For some countries (e.g. China, Vietnam, India, Russia), visas are included in the tour cost and will be arranged by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate visa(s).

You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour.

toUR pRiCesPrices quoted in our tour information are based on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable taxes at the time of publication. Prices may be subject to change in the event of significant currency fluctuations or the introduction of new taxes, up until final payment is received.

In the event of a price increase, whether because of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes or a correction in advertised prices, we will advise you and you have the option of accepting the amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full refund of all monies paid.

Once final payment is received, all prices will be guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.

tRaVeL insURanCeIt is a condition of travel that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance for international tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by Renaissance Tours.

Fitness and paRtiCipationMost of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness.

However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Road, Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical destinations) or in certain seasons (e.g. mid-winter, mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (e.g. remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness.

If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.

ModeRateFor the overall benefit of the group, all tour members must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to:

• negotiate airports and railway stationswithoutwheelchair assistance

• use combined shower/bath facilities (it isimpossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)

• undertakewalking tourof1–2hoursduration,including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces

• stand for long periods in museums andother sites

• embark/ disembark coaches, trains and othermethods of transportation without assistance

• handleyourownluggage

aBoVe aVeRaGeIn addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

• undertakewalkingtoursof2–3hours

• climbstaircasesof100ormoresteps

CHaLLenGinGIn addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

• handleextremesof temperature (e.g. below0or above 35 degrees)

• handleextremesofaltitudes(e.g.4000metresand above).

You can find the full terms & conditions at www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions or we would be happy to post you a copy on request.

Zanabazar next to the Soyombo script by Yastanovog Wikimedia CC

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2016

Brochure effective 11 March 2016

Travel agent

1300 727 095 (aU) 0800 403 621 (nZ) call (+61 2) 9299 5801 fax (+61 2) 9299 5805 email info@renaissancetours.com.au visit www.renaissancetours.com.au

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Please return pages 1 and 2 to: GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia or info@renaissancetours.com.au Toll free AU 1300 727 095 or NZ 0800 403 621 Tel: +61 2 9299 5801 Fax: +61 2 9299 5805

www.renaissancetours.com.au

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• Complete credit card authority (if paying by credit card) OR forward a (deposit) cheque (made payable to Renaissance Tours).

• Upon receipt of your Booking Form and deposit, you will receive confirmation of your place on the tour(s) from Renaissance Tours.

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FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE DECLARATION (Please tick)

I have read, understood and confirm that I meet the:

MODERATE ABOVE AVERAGE CHALLENGING fitness level to participate on this tour.

Booking conditions

I have read, understood and accept the Booking Conditions on page 3. I have enclosed the deposit and understand that the balance of the tour cost must be paid at least 60 days prior to departure (45 days prior for domestic tours) or my reservation may be cancelled.

Sign here

Title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr or Other) Hon Family name (as in passport)

Given names (as in passport)

Preferred name DOB

Email

Mobile

Phone

Address

State Postcode

Country

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS / ALLERGIES Yes No

MEDICAL DECLARATION What medical conditions do you currently have and/or have you received treatment for in the past three years? (e.g. stroke, heart, respiratory and psychiatric conditions). Attach extra pages, if necessary. The purpose of seeking this information is to assist Renaissance Tours in determining the suitability of a tour participant for a particular tour. The information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE DECLARATION (Please tick)

I have read, understood and confirm that I meet the:

MODERATE ABOVE AVERAGE CHALLENGING fitness level to participate on this tour.

Booking conditions

I have read, understood and accept the Booking Conditions on page 3. I have enclosed the deposit and understand that the balance of the tour cost must be paid at least 60 days prior to departure (45 days prior for domestic tours) or my reservation may be cancelled.

Sign here

Travel details – Passenger 1 Travel details – Passenger 2 (only fill if different from Pax 1)

Payment

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AirFAre – WOuld yOu liKe TO receiVe A quOTe FrOm uS?

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ciTy OF dePArTure

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hOW did yOu heAr ABOuT ThiS TOur?

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AirFAre – WOuld yOu liKe TO receiVe A quOTe FrOm uS?

Yes No

Economy Premium Economy Business Class First Class

ciTy OF dePArTure

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Other

FrequeNT Flyer NumBer AirliNe SeAT PreFereNce

AccOmmOdATiON

Double Twin Single If single, would you like us to arrange twin-share?

TrAVel iNSurANce – WOuld liKe TO receiVe A BrOchure?

Yes No

Pre/POST TOur ArrANGemeNTS Please advise if you would like Renaissance Tours to organise any pre/post tour arrangements (e.g. earlier departure, later return, additional accommodation/flights, etc)

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hOW did yOu heAr ABOuT ThiS TOur?

dO yOu WANT TO receiVe Our e-NeWSleTTer? yes No

Payment by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. 1.5% service charge applies to payment made by MasterCard and Visa. 3% service charge applies to payment made by American Express. Payments for some international airfares can be made by credit card without a service fee. Please check for details.

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1. TOUR PRICESPrices quoted in our tour information are based on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable taxes at the time of publication. Prices may be subject to change in the event of significant currency fluctuations or the introduction of new taxes, up until final payment is received. In the event of a price increase, whether because of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes or a correction in advertised prices, we will advise you and you have the option of accepting the amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Once final payment is received, all prices (excluding air taxes) will be guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.

2. PAYMENTYour final payment is due 60 days before departure (45 days prior for domestic tours). Failure to make your final payment by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking and loss of deposit. We reserve the right to charge a late payment fee in the event of late booking and/or payment to cover additional communication and other expenses.

3. FLIGHT BOOKINGS AND FARES Renaissance Tours will use its best endeavours to ensure that all flight prices are correct at the time that they are quoted. However, once a deposit is paid on an air fare, it guarantees that a booking is being held for you, it does not guarantee the fare and applicable taxes.

The fare and taxes can only be guaranteed when the flight booking has been paid in full and a ticket has been issued. Flight bookings cannot be transferred.

4. CHANGESa) Changes by You – Because of additional communication and other expenses, we reserve the right to charge an appropriate administration fee per amendment to your original booking. While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests their availability cannot be guaranteed.

b) Changes by Us – While we will use our best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised, by entering into this contract the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour or its contents due to prevailing local conditions. We reserve the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in the brochure (including flights, transport, accommodation or other arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation.

If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we will substitute the best alternative available and will refund the Client for any cost saving or charge the Client for any additional costs incurred. ‘Force majeure’ includes any event which Renaissance Tours or its suppliers could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid (e.g. advice against travel from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics, health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline or main charterer, the alteration of airline or aircraft type). Renaissance Tours is not liable for any penalty charges associated with ‘supersaver’ type connecting rail or air fares, in the event of a change to a holiday departure time, date or airport.

5. SUBSTITUTION OF CLIENTIf any member of the party is prevented from travelling because of the death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person (acceptable to Renaissance Tours) provided that written notice is given at least one calendar month prior to departure. An administration fee of $100 + GST per person will be levied plus any costs imposed by our suppliers. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

6. CANCELLATIONa) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by Renaissance Tours. In addition to the charges shown below airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

International Tours60 days or more Forfeit of deposit* 59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost

Domestic Tours45 days or more Forfeit of deposit* 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost

* Includes any flight deposit paid.

The above cancellation charges include applicable GST.

In addition to the above cancellation charges, the full insurance premium together with any existing administration fees is also payable in the event of a cancellation by the Client. If the reason for cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers). Except for force majeure (as outlined in clause 4b) or the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure for international tours and 45 days before departure for domestic tours. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, we will return all monies paid, excluding payment for travel insurance and administration fees. No compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

7. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONSIt is your responsibility to be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months after the date of your return to Australia. You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, innoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Renaissance Tours.

8. ILLNESS OR DISABILITYAnyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication or other treatment which may be required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeit.

9. LOCAL LAWSAll participants of the tours we operate are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve Renaissance Tours of all obligations that they may otherwise have under these booking conditions.

10. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINTIf you have a complaint about any of the tour arrangements, you must bring it to the attention of the tour leader or other representative of Renaissance Tours at the time so that they may use their best endeavours to rectify the situation. It is only if we are made aware of any problems that there will be the opportunity to put things right. Any complaints must be made in writing to Renaissance Tours within 28 days of the completion of the tour.

11. OUR RESPONSIBILITIESAll bookings are accepted on the understanding that the Client appreciates that travel does involve some risk and that they undertake all tours of their own volition.

i) Renaissance Tours accepts liability should any part of the tour arrangements booked with us not be supplied as described in the brochure(s) and not be of reasonable standard. In such a case, we will pay reasonable compensation if the Client’s enjoyment of the tour has been adversely affected but will pay no compensation if there has been no fault on the part of Renaissance Tours or our suppliers and the reason for the failure in the tour arrangements was the Client’s fault, the actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements or could not have been foreseen or avoided by Renaissance Tours or its suppliers even if all due care had been exercised.

ii) Our acceptance of liability to pay compensation pursuant to clause 11(i) is limited, in the case of air travel, rail travel, sea travel or hotel accommodation, to the amount set out in the provisions of, respectively, the Warsaw Convention as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955, the 1961 Berne Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris Convention.

iii) Our acceptance of liability in clauses 11(i) and 11(ii) above is subject to assignment by the Client to Renaissance Tours of the Client’s rights against any agent, supplier or sub-contractor of Renaissance Tours which is in any way responsible for the unsatisfactory tour arrangements.

FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE

Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness.

However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Road, Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical destinations) or in certain seasons (e.g. mid-winter, mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (eg. remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness.

If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.

MODERATEfor the overall benefit of the group, all tour members must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to:• negotiate airports and railway stations without

wheelchair assistance• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible

to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)• undertake walking tour of 1–2 hours duration,

including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces

• stand for long periods in museums and other sites• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other

methods of transportation without assistance

• handle your own luggage

ABOVE AVERAGEIn addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:• Undertake walking tours of 2–3 hours• climb staircases of 100 or more steps

CHALLENGINGIn addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:• Handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or

above 35 degrees) • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 m and above).

TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is highly recommended that you are covered by travel insurance for domestic tours.

However, it is a condition of travel that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance for international tours. You can make your own arrangements or your travel insurance can be arranged by Renaissance Tours. In either case all participants must provide the following information no later than 60 days prior to commencement of travel:• a copy of your travel insurance policy (or details of

master policy)

• the emergency telephone number of your insurance company

• next of kin emergency contact.

toll free 1300 727 095 (AU) toll free 0800 403 621 (NZ) call (02) 9299 5801 fax (02) 9299 5805 email info@renaissancetours.com.au visit www.renaissancetours.com.au

Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001 ABN 14 069 591 448

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